Two people hiking in the forest of Saint-GermainTwo people hiking in the forest of Saint-Germain
©Two people hiking in the forest of Saint-Germain

Down in the valleys in Marly forest

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Nestled in the heart of the former Crüye forest, renamed the Marly forest in the late 18thᵉ century, the Chevaudeau valley walk offers a bucolic getaway just a stone’s throw from Paris. This 6.3 km route, which lasts around 1? hours, is accessible to all levels of walker, making this walk an ideal experience for families and nature lovers alike.

Emilie and Mélanie in the forest of Saint-Germain-en-LayeEmilie and Mélanie in the forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye
©Emilie and Mélanie in the forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Forest of Saint-GermainForest of Saint-Germain
©Forest of Saint-Germain
Trou Enfer Foret MarlyTrou Enfer Foret Marly
©Trou Enfer Foret Marly|OTI SGBS

    A walk accessible from Paris with Transilien line L

    What we love about the Marly forest is that it’s directly accessible by public transport! You climb up to Saint-Lazare station -or La Défense- and get off at the heart of the forest, at Saint-Nom-la-Breteche station, also known as “Forêt de Marly”, you can’t go wrong. The route we suggest starts from this station and is 6.3 km long, accessible to all levels of walker and forming a loop.

    The walk allows us to appreciate some lovely viewpoints, particularly at the Croix Saint-Michel, which offers a vast panorama over the west of Paris. Numerous relics such as this one evoke the historical and royal past of the Marly forest, formerly known as the Crüye forest.

    Historic sites in a relaxing natural setting

    The route takes us to the gates of the Désert de Retz, a sumptuous park of mills located in the commune of Chambourcy. To enter the park, however, you need to sign up for one of the guided tours offered from April to October.

    On your way, the hunting tables and star-shaped crossroads evoke memories of hunting, particularly those of Louis XIV, who appropriated a whole section of this forest to indulge in his favourite activity. In fact, he had a surrounding wall built to prevent the game from escaping!

    Today, the Marly forest is almost exclusively planted with deciduous trees (oak and chestnut), it also has many ponds – over fifty – and it is not uncommon to come across a few discreet roe deer and spot curious squirrels.

    Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons to appreciate the beauty of these landscapes, you can also pick a few chestnuts and for those who know mushrooms.

    The walk takes you back to your starting point, Saint-Nom-la-Breteche station, if you have a little time (and strength!), continue your walk towards L’Etang-la-Ville and Mareil-Marly where other walks await you, on the Chemins des Impressionnistes.

    Oti Sgbs Jda7345Oti Sgbs Jda7345
    ©Oti Sgbs Jda7345|Office de Tourisme Saint Germain Boucles de Seine-Joel Damase

      Want to be an explorer?

      To discover the forest of Marly we advise you to get the map of the forest published by the association of Friends of the Forest of Saint-Germain and Marly.

      You can find it in our information offices in Marly-le-Roi and Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

      The walker's charter

      How can you enjoy the forest while preserving it? What are the tips to follow and the imperatives to respect? These are the central questions addressed in this walker’s charter “I’m taking action for the forest”.

      Cyclists, horse riders, walkers, sports enthusiasts, dreamers… Aimed at all forest users, the charter sets out the essential recommendations around themes such as picking, litter, fires, hunting, forestry work, bivouacs, motor vehicles… With one watchword: to give everyone the keys to a better understanding of the challenges facing the forest and thus to take better action!

      !